VCU handles new look ODU, 69-48

It had been almost two years since Old Dominion University came to the Stuart C. Siegel Center. This trip would see a new look Monarch team with a new coach and a new conference allegiance. Now apart of Conference USA and with new head coach Jeff Jones, former University of Virginia head coach, ODU would try to get him his first win in this long standing rivalry but would be denied as VCU handled them, 69-48.

Junior Treveon Graham and Senior Juvonte Reddic carried the Rams early, scoring all of VCU’s 18 points in the first 11 minutes until it was a three pointer from Senior Rob Brandenberg which game VCU their first lead 21-18 with 9 minutes left in the first. Graham would end the night with 13 points.

But it would be Reddic who would lead all Rams in scoring and would end the day with a double double, with 24 points with a dominating performance in the second half that would also see him grabs 12 rebounds in the win.

Despite a 4-4 record, ODU proved that, when it comes to a rivalry, you forget the records. The Monarchs got out to an early 8 point lead 6 minutes into the game. In the first ten minutes ODU was outshooting VCU 64% to 38%. VCU would take a 3 point lead, 34-31, into the halftime break. It was all VCU in the second half.

VCU outscored ODU int he second half, 35-17 as the Rams returned to the typical defensive self as ODU would have 21 turn overs where VCU converted them into 19 points.

Senior Terrance Shannon saw action for the first time after missing the past three games. He helped VCU in rebounding, contributing 8 to their 50. VCU out rebounded the Monarchs by 15.

The win moves VCU to 8-2 over all on the season as they will travel to Iowa for a Saturday, December 14th meeting against Northern Iowa at Noon.